Can my wife work in Germany if I have a work permit/Visa?

Member since 24 July 2017

rpatersonMember24 July 2017 02:53:12

Hello all,

I'm looking to potentially relocate to Cologne, I would have a work permit, through a company that would sponsor me.

I am an Australian. My wife would join me (she is a dual national; USA and Australia). Would she be permitted to work in Germany as well? We have been married for approx. 1.5 years, and neither of us speak German, but would look to learn it.

Appreciate any information anyone can provide!

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert25 July 2017 06:49:30

15610

If she follows you on a family reunion visa, she can apply for a work permit at the local Arbeitsamt. It takes about three months or so to complete the formalities. Then she can apply for jobs.
Without German language skills, she is excluded from all jobs requiring interaction with customers, suppliers, partners and colleagues, so it will not be easy to find something.

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert25 July 2017 11:06:00

13459

rpaterson wrote:
We have been married for approx. 1.5 years, and neither of us speak German, but would look to learn it.

Welcome to Expat.com

If neither of you speaks German, I highly recommend that you start learning now before leaving Australia. What kind of work will you be looking at doing?

SimCityAT
Expert Team